Samsung releases modified version of Opera Max for Galaxy smartphones

Samsung has released a modified version of the Opera Max browser. With the browser it is possible to save data by applying compression to the incoming data. The Max browser was taken offline by Opera itself last year.

The software is still recognizable as Opera Max browser by the URL with which the application is listed in the Play Store for Android. However, Samsung has rebranded the browser as the Samsung Max browser. Where Opera’s browser was still freely available for download, the Korean manufacturer has imposed restrictions; only Samsung’s own Galaxy smartphones can download the software.

Opera was the first to release the Max browser, its main feature being a way to save data. This is possible because things such as images are provided with compression, so that less data is loaded. Opera states that this can be done without loss of quality. However, in August last year, it was decided that the Max browser was no longer the focus of the company, and the application was taken offline. Samsung has probably taken over the rights to the software, but it is not clear what deal exactly is behind it.

Samsung shows ads in the browser to pay for the data-saving technology. There is also a premium version, which provides access to additional features, such as privacy. In return, the user must allow ads on the lock screen. Those advertisements are only shown when the smartphone is charging.

However, the original version of the application can still be used by Android users who already have it installed. However, anyone who now installs the updated version from the Play Store will have to deal with a browser that no longer functions. However, it is also possible that Opera itself pulls the plug on the server side.